Sotheby's to hold its first auction for artwork made by a robot; bids could reach $180,000

Sotheby's will be holding its first-ever auction of artwork created by a robot later this month.

The auction house's "digital art day" event will include "AI God," a portrait of Alan Turing created by Ai-Da, a "humanoid robot artist." Turing, a renowned mathematician and computer scientist whose work in cryptography was essential to cracking the German Enigma code during World War II, is widely considered to be the creator of modern computing. His "Turing test," developed in 1949, is also seen as foundational to the modern understanding of artificial intelligence.

The 64 by 90.5 inch mixed-media painting was created by Ai-Da earlier this year, and is currently estimated by Sotheby's to fetch $120,000-$180,000 at the auction, which opens on Oct. 31.

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Ai-Da, a humanoid robot artist

The Ai-Da Robot Project is the creation of Aiden Meller, a U.K.-based gallery owner and art dealer. Ai-Da, who is referred to as female by her creators, uses cameras in her eyes, a robotic arm and an AI algorithm to create her works.

"As a machine with a fusion of electronic/AI/human inputs, her composite persona is the artwork, along with her drawings, performance art and collaborative paintings and sculptures," Ai-Da's creators say.

The robot was created in 2019, and has had her work shown at the University of Oxford and the Venice Biennale. "AI God" was first exhibited in May at the United Nations.

"By commemorating Alan Turing in my artwork, which was displayed at the United Nations, I aim to honor his contributions towards the foundation of modern computing and artificial intelligence," the robot said of the portrait.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com